Psycho-Cost word

It's a variable ratio schedule:

quote: When it comes to ratio schedules of reinforcement, the only thing that matters is that the behavior occurs a specific number of times. So, a variable ratio schedule of reinforcement is a schedule of reinforcement wherein a reinforcer is provided following a pre-determined average number of responses.

Where the punishment is one that your opponent does not know the ratio for, as it is a product of the interaction between their scouting and decision making, as opposed to yours (and luck). As such, mobility of the threat, and resistance to detection, are the two most important aspects of conditioning your opponent.

I think respect is appropriate, but fear is badasser. Respect also implies accurate assessment, whereas we're trying to instill misassessment.

The cost AutoWar speaks of is both the opportunity to make mistakes (the more opportunity an opponent has the more often they'll make them, and the forced state of reactivity - any plan they had is now disrupted.

They were thinking of rushing you with a shield ball? -> They now can't move for fear of cloaked roaches. They wanted to ham you with warriors up in your business? -> They can't leave their base for fear of scallop drop.

This cost is mitigated by knowing the extent of your opponents investment in such strategies (through scouting and inference), and the appropriateness of your counterplay (saving metal to put you back on track for proactive play). A poor player will both have less information to work on, and respond to that information less efficiently. Dirtbags will give you back the territory from cloaked roaches immediately, and elevated stardust will foil all scallop drops for less than they cost.

Finally, there is a psychological cost of stress and the taxing of attentive resources. A player who's forced to defend against a threat who's size and location are unknown are forced to constantly pay attention to their surrounds. This both costs attention in a strict sense, and drains their ability to maintain this state of vigilance. They are both more likely to make mistakes due to inattention (putting a caretaker down slower), and more likely to make mistakes in subsequent games even when this threat no longer exists. The person with the sneakiness however only needs to keep a look out for opportunities, which is easier and far more forgiving of having missed them.

Edit: I've got very fond memories of League of Legends playing Fiddlesticks. Every time I ulted I'd all-caps in all-chat "KAWKAWKAW" while I was channeling. My character would then appear in the middle of their team fight from out of nowhere and decimate them. Later all I had to do was type "KAWKAWKAW" to force every opponent on the map to seriously consider proceeding with their intended action, giving room for allies to escape etc.